Should small amounts of pot be legal?

Decriminalizing the possession of small amounts of marijuana, or legalizing the drug, continues to be a controversial subject nationwide.

Last Monday, New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo proposed changing the state law to lessen the charge of marijuana possession of less than 25 grams from a misdemeanor to a violation with a maximum fine of $100 for first-time drug offenders.

U.S. Attorney John McKay and Seattle City Attorney Pete Holmes are backing a legalization effort in Washington state for people older than 21.

Coloradans will also vote on a proposition for marijuana legalization in the November general election.

And the Victoria County Democratic Party approved a resolution last month to legalize the drug, which was presented for consideration and passed at the state Democratic Party platform last week.

With a growing vocal support for decriminalizing pot - arguing that changing the law would reduce crime, free up jail space and provide economic benefits for individual states - should possessing small amounts of marijuana be legal?